FORD is accelerating hard into the autonomous automobile future.

The company has created a new division called Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC. It will be based in Detroit.

Ford says it will encompass all aspects of its self-driving vehicle business operations. It will help accelerate its autonomous vehicle (AV) business while capitalising on market opportunities.

Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC will include Ford’s self-driving systems integration, autonomous vehicle research and advanced engineering, AV transportation-as-a-service network development, user experience, business strategy and business development teams.

Ford said it expected to invest $4 billion in autonomous vehicle development over the next five years.

Sherif Marakby, currently Ford Vice President, Autonomous Vehicles and Electrification, has been appointed CEO of Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC.

“Ford has made tremendous progress across the self driving value chain – from technology development to business model innovation to user experience,” said Jim Hackett, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

“Now is the right time to consolidate our autonomous driving platform into one team to best position the business for the opportunities ahead.”